Step Parent Adoption

Indianapolis Step-Parent Adoption Attorney and Mediator

Step-parent adoptions are one of the happy things a family law attorney gets to do! Absent an objection by the noncustodial parent, it is a fairly simple task. As with grandparent adoptions, the court will frequently waive the statutory requirement for a home study, resulting in a short and friendly fifteen-minute hearing.

As a rule, the noncustodial parent must consent to the adoption of his or her child. However, there are exceptions to the rule such as when that parent is deceased. The most common exception, however, occurs when the biological parent, for a period of one (1) year:

fails without justifiable cause to communicate significantly with the child when able to do so; or

knowingly fails to provide for the care and support of the child when able to do so as required by law or judicial decree.

While consent is not required under these circumstances, the noncustodial parent must still be given written Notice of the adoption. In the event the noncustodial parent objects to the adoption, you will want to find an experienced litigator.